Four veterinarians specializing in the care of the Thoroughbred athlete are the newest spokespersons for the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) “On Call” program. Drs. Jeff Blea, Bernard Dowd, Joseph Foerner and Alan Ruggles join more than 30 AAEP-member veterinarians who provide health information during nationally televised equine events.

• Jeff Blea, DVM. Blea is a private practitioner with Von Bleucher, Prida, Blea, Inc. Equine Medicine and Surgery in Sierra Madre, Calif. He is also president of the Southern California Equine Foundation and serves on the board of directors of the Dolly Green Research Foundation. A graduate of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Blea will serve as a spokesperson for televised races at Santa Anita Park, Hollywood Park and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

• Bernard Dowd, DVM. A founding partner of North Atlantic Equine Associates in Oceanport, N.J., Dowd will assist equine events in New Jersey and New York. He is a graduate of Ross University and is an active member of the AAEP, American Veterinary Medical Association and the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners.

• Joseph Foerner, DVM, Diplomate ACVS. Foerner is a partner in Illinois Equine Hospital and Clinic in Naperville, Ill. He is a board-certified surgeon, and a past president of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. In addition to his equine practice, Foerner serves as a consultant to the Brookfield and Lincoln Park zoos and the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, he will serve as the “On Call” spokesperson for races at Arlington Racecourse and Sportsman’s Park